Even if some regions in the Province of Québec have received much more snowfalls than usual, the Rimouski area where I live has received above the average amount of snow. However, the trail conditions remain excellent and it is with much pleasure that I have been able to ride the Apex SE on trail.
The odometer indicates more than 3 500 kilometers and it is time now to present to you my mid-season report on the 2011 Yamaha Apex SE.
As I told you in my previous article (First impressions), I appreciate very much the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system that makes the tours more pleasant and eases the effort required to move the handlebar. In fact, I think I spoiled myself because I also piloted a model from a previous year during a few kilometers and the difference was really obvious.
The Apex I ride is also equipped with semi-aggressive SnowTrackers that give more precision to the riding and at the same time, completely eliminate darting. Even if it seems like there is much less ski-lift on the 2011 Apex, it did not totally disappear in sharp bends. However, with the EPS system, the snowmobile remains quite predictable when it happens.
The new Genesis engine keeps on delivering impressive accelerations and prompt steady pickups that made me grin from ear to ear many times.
Regarding the suspension, I did not need to readjust the Fox Float 2 front shocks. The air pressure was perfectly set for my type of riding, so why would I have changed a winning combination? However, at rear, I had to pump additional air to improve my comfort in trail; 170 PSI seemed to fit me. The track tension has been adjusted twice or three times during this first half of the season, which does not seem unusual. In short, the 2011 Apex SE suspension meets my needs.
According to the trail conditions and to his own style, the driver can take different riding positions thanks to the DeltaBox III chassis and the new raised seat. The more traditional position is usable and provides a very good vision as well as a good comfort in trails that are in good conditions. However, when the trails are more sinuous or uneven, I prefer to put myself forward so that I can be positioned at the gravity center. This provides much more comfort in such a type of trail. The forward position also helps the race-style pilot. The design of the seat and of the tank allows easy sideways motion when negotiating many sharp bends.
This season, the Apex is delivered with a 128 in. track (144 in. track on the Apex XTX). There are no more 121 or 136 in. tracks on the 2011 Apex line. I must say that the compromise is efficient : we have some advantages of a longer track in regards of the traction, and some advantages of a shorter track in regards of the snowmobile control.
Since I mostly ride in the evening, I would like to talk about the headlight and the taillight. The headlight is very efficient and gives a good lighting. However, the taillight design does not only attract the eye, it also attracts the snow. This is due to the fact that this light is located between the exhaust pipes. When riding in powder snow, the snow whirls in the back and when it gets near the pipes, it warms up and becomes sticky. Thus, the taillight is covered up and cannot be seen by the snowmobilers behind us. So, we must check it regularly and take off the snow that covers it.
The pilot area ergonomics is very good overall. The dials are well located and the digits are big enough to be read during riding. The digital clock is a bonus that I greatly appreciate when I ride. The controls are easy to access, but yet, two elements draw my attention. First, we must take one hand off the handlebar if we want to change the data displayed on the dials. Effectively, we must press one of the three tiny buttons directly located on the dials. A satisfying improvement would be to locate a «Display Mode» button directly on the handlebar. The other element is the thumb warmer control; we must let go the accelerator if we want to adjust the heat. I think that these are not major problems to rectify. On the other hand, I appreciate the 12v DC outlet and the RCA-style plug for the helmet visor heater. We can bring our GPS for example, and still be able to power up our heated helmet visor.
The pilot area provides good wind protection. This becomes important during high mileage rides in very cold weather. The windshield stays clear of snow or ice most of the time, so we can see through. Thanks to the height and design of the windshield, we can look over it with minimum swirl-in annoyance.
Concerning the fuel consumption, I noticed that the Apex SE is a little more fuel-efficient since the last rides. I think this is due to the hardpack trail conditions we now have. I prefer to wait for the season report before giving my opinion on the fuel consumption of this snowmobile.
I would like to conclude by mentioning that the 2011 Yamaha Apex SE is a trail snowmobile that provides a great liability and an impressive riding experience to its pilot. This is an excellent choice for snowmobilers who like to go for high mileage rides with ease and comfort.
I wish you all a great snowmobiling late season !
